Latest News and Comment from Education

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

L.A. school board opposes mayor in battle over redevelopment funds - latimes.com

L.A. school board opposes mayor in battle over redevelopment funds - latimes.com:

L.A. school board opposes mayor in battle over redevelopment funds

The Los Angeles Board of Education voted Tuesday to join opponents of local redevelopment agencies in the legal battle over who should control funds that are held by these agencies.

The school board’s decision puts it at odds with L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who has backed keeping funds with redevelopment agencies, including the one controlled by the city of Los Angeles.

Billions of dollars are at stake statewide. Locally, the issue is whether these dollars should reside with the city—to help it spur development projects—or with counties and school districts.

Until now, a school-board majority closely allied with the mayor has been officially silent on the issue, even